In this powerful and bilingual episode, Pablo and Jennie welcome internationally acclaimed sculptor Ada de Silva—a Cuban-born visionary whose bronze creations speak volumes. Ada shares her inspiring journey from finance to fine art, how emotion drives her process, and why joy is her top creative fuel. From being invited to exhibit at the Venice Biennale to sculpting vessels for $60,000 caviar, Ada’s story is pure passion, persistence, and purpose—wrapped in bronze elegance.
Podcast Title:
Very Caliente
Hosts:
Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
Episode Title:
EP 010 - Sculpting Strength – Art, Identity & Joy with Ada de Silva
Summary:
In this powerful and bilingual episode, Pablo and Jennie welcome internationally acclaimed sculptor Ada de Silva—a Cuban-born visionary whose bronze creations speak volumes. Ada shares her inspiring journey from finance to fine art, how emotion drives her process, and why joy is her top creative fuel. From being invited to exhibit at the Venice Biennale to sculpting vessels for $60,000 caviar, Ada’s story is pure passion, persistence, and purpose—wrapped in bronze elegance.
Main Topics:
Intriguing Quotes:
“Being an immigrant is a huge bonus. You come with nothing to lose—and everything to gain.” – Ada de Silva
“My sculptures are emotions in bronze. They’re stories without words.” – Ada de Silva
“You won’t feel joy every day—but every day you can take one step forward.” – Ada de Silva
“You just do it—with a happy heart. Don’t overthink, just start.” – Ada de Silva
Key Moments:
[00:00:45] – Meet sculptor Ada de Silva: from teenage dreamer to international artist
[00:02:30] – How not having a visa led her to pursue her passion full-time
[00:04:10] – Her classic and elegant bronze art—and why it’s built to outlive us all
[00:06:30] – The emotional process behind each piece, starting with journaling
[00:08:00] – “Tree of Joy”: her Miami-inspired sculpture that won Art Basel acclaim
[00:09:15] – Vision boarding, mindset, and checking off life’s biggest goals
[00:10:30] – Cuban immigrant pride, hard work, and redefining success
[00:12:30] – Mental health and how she names her bad days (like “Bob” 😄)
[00:14:30] – How she balances raising three kids with an international art career
[00:17:00] – Behind her “Dream Series” sculptures and the story of dreaming upward
[00:18:40] – Ada talks about her upcoming exhibit at the Venice Biennale 🇮🇹
[00:19:30] – Her Netflix feature, writing a TV series, and what’s next
[00:21:00] – Why joy is her anchor emotion and how Miami shapes her art
Notable Guests/Resources:
Special Announcements:
🎨 Ada will exhibit at the Venice Biennale in May 2026—one of the world’s biggest honors in the art world
📺 Look out for her work featured on Netflix
🖋️ A comedy series may be next—because when Ada dreams, she builds it (in bronze)